Page 43 of Arrivals & Assets

“Again?” he asked.

I nodded. “Mm-hmm…”

“You sure it’s not contractions? Your due date is only a few days away.”

“I think so?” I replied, though I wasn’t entirely sure.

He made a noise, then glanced at the clock on his phone. “The fireworks should start any time. It’s ten till.”

I nodded as I curled against his side.

The drones moved aside as the first fireworks started. The display grew, then it was almost like anticipation settled over the city.

We weren’t close to the beach or to the commercial areas, but I could still hear the countdown. The synchronized rumble of people mingled with neighbors who were enjoying the sights from their yards and patios.

“Three…”

“Two…”

I doubled over with a gasp as pain ripped through me again.

I fought back tears from the intensity as “Happy New Year!” sounded from all around. My breathing was ragged as Dylan supported me.

“Ten minutes,” he said when it finally passed. “I think you’re in labor, Sweetheart.”

I nodded. “I… I think you’re right.”

He kissed my temple. “You stay here and enjoy the rest of the fireworks. We’ve probably got some time to rest, but I’m going to go ahead and put the bag in the car. I’ll be right back to walk you in.”

“Ok.”

He stood, then tilted my chin up for another kiss.

I tried to get comfortable as the fireworks continued to explode over the ocean, but it seemed an impossible task.

The show was ramping up again, seemingly for a grand finale, as Dylan came back out.

“Bag is in the car,” he murmured as he sat and pulled me against him. “We’re ready whenever your contractions are close enough.”

“Ok.”

I was just starting to feel settled when another contraction tore through me.

Dylan made a concerned noise. “Nine minutes. We should get some sleep. We’ll probably have to head over in a few hours.”

“Ok…”

We stayed cuddled through the end of the fireworks, then Dylan took the blanket and mugs inside. He returned to help me up, but there was a different sensation as soon as I stood.

“Alpha…” I whined, shivering from the wetness along my legs.

“What’s wrong?” he murmured.

“I… I think my water broke.”

“Oh… Ohhhhhh.” There was a note of panic in his voice. “Ok. I’m going to grab some towels as we pass the linen closet, then we’re going to the hospital.”

I nodded. “Ok.”